At the 2024 Krach Transformational Leaders Workshop, hundreds of undergraduates from across North America descended upon Bowling Green State University for three days filled with leadership training and brotherhood.

The event opened with a keynote speech by the event namesake, 64th Grand Consul Keith Krach, PURDUE 1979, where he spoke on the importance of trust as it relates to leadership and spoke about the lessons learned during his life as a Sigma Chi and how those lessons helped shape him as a businessman and a person.

“Throughout my entire life — through the ups and downs, the challenges, the triumphs, and the tragedies — it has been the relationships and lessons learned as a Sigma Chi that have guided me. Alongside my unwavering faith in God, these bonds have been my anchor,” said Krach at the closing of his speech.

He also challenged the undergraduates in attendance to grab hold of Sigma Chi’s lessons and use it to make a transformational change.

“I urge each and every one of you to cherish and invest wholeheartedly in this wondrous Sigma Chi experience. Make it a lifelong passion, for it will surely see you through the darkest of times and elevate you to the greatest heights,” he added.

During the first day, the undergraduates took to their respective certificates and, for the first time at Krach TLW, there were four options rather than the usual three. In addition to the Values-Based Leadership, True North Leadership and Servant Leadership certificates, the Adaptive Leadership certificate also was offered.

“You start looking at things like managing crises, facilitating change and navigating conflict. Those are really critical leadership lessons that our undergraduates need to have in their tool belt in an aspect of their life, not only when it comes to themselves personally,” says Sigma Chi Leadership Institute Executive Director Jim Cogdal, BRADLEY 2003. “(Undergraduates) are going to face (challenges) at the chapter level. They’re going to face them daily when they get into the workplace. I think that wrapped a big bow around the decision of getting Adaptive Leadership out there to pilot as soon as we can. There was such an importance of the subject matter and content that was going to be very relative to the undergraduate experience.”

For three days, the undergraduates were immersed in leadership training that translates to skills that can be used not only at the chapter level, but in the workplace when Sigma Chis enter the professional world. Each certificate is carefully curated to target specific areas of leadership development.

Also at the event was Ritual Peer training for undergraduates and alumni, thanks to the Ritual Peer 2.0 course. The event saw a 100-percent pass rate this year with 84 new Ritual Peers — 66 undergraduates and 18 chapter advisors. New to the Ritual Peer 2.0 program at Krach TLW, an award was given to the undergraduate who scored the highest on the ensuing test. Ethan Tippett, BALL STATE 2026, earned the coveted Lego minifigure.

During the closing ceremony, awards were announced with David Cathey, TEXAS TECH 2024, taking home the International Balfour Award and David Conway, NEW MEXICO 2012, winning the William H. Carlisle Jr. Outstanding Workshop Faculty Award.

Also announced at the closing were two exciting announcements.

The first was recognition to Order of Constantine Sig Jeff Greene, WYOMING 1975 — the namesake for the Horizons Session Coordinator and Guide Coordinator Training.

“He has been a Grand Praetor, workshop facilitator for many years, a Horizons facilitator and session coordinator for many years and has served Sigma Chi on countless committees and other positions that have made Sigma Chi a better Fraternity. And, if that weren’t enough, he has left a new legacy for the future by endowing the session guide experience for the Horizons experience,” said Shaver.

The second announcement directly benefits Krach TLW. Following the rollout of the Adaptive Leadership certificate, 68th Grand Consul and Sigma Chi Leadership Institute Chairman Michael Greenberg, ILLINOIS WESLEYAN 1982, will now be the namesake for the certificate.

“He is my very close and personal friend, and I know that his biggest passion in life is blazing trails to leave a legacy which provides for the opportunity for young men to become the best versions of themselves. If all of that work he has done for Sigma Chi isn’t enough, he stepped forward one more time … this time with his treasure,” said Shaver during the closing session. “Brothers, I am so pleased to announce that every brother from here forward who gets to experience the Adaptive Leadership Certificate will now experience the Michael A. Greenberg Adaptive Leadership Certificate.”

The last person to speak at Krach TLW was 73rd Grand Consul Bob Wilson, FORT HAYS 1981. Wilson challenged the undergraduate brothers to sincerely take the tools learned at Krach TLW and use them in their daily lives.

“I want you to take away the tools and insights you’ve gained. Use them to foster positive change in your chapters and on your campuses. Don’t be afraid to step up to lead with courage and conviction. The world needs leaders like you — leaders who are committed to making a difference,” said Wilson. “So, go forth and conquer. Embrace the challenges ahead with confidence and creativity. Remember, you are not alone. You are part of a brotherhood that believes in your potential and supports your journey.”